Does the luggage you take on vacation feel extra heavy these days? Maybe it's because of the laptop, batteries, extension cords, PDA, cell phone and pager you've stuffed into it.

Apparently, you're in good company. An informal survey by job counseling firm Career Builder found that even though only 22 percent of workers say they're expected to keep in touch with the office while on vacation, nearly 40 percent actually do it.

It's not that these folks don't like their R&R. Nearly nine of 10 respondents believe vacations help them relieve stress and stay healthy.

One big reason for the working holiday phenomenon may be the 'round-the-clock nature of many businesses.

"People now have to respond to customers 24-7 or you're not being competitive," explains Barry Lawrence of the Reston, Va.-based Career Builder, which queried more than 3,200 respondents in May for the survey. "That means that people at work are on demand 24-7 and the challenges and problems tend to follow them when they leave the office."

Another reason is what could be called the big cheese factor. If the boss is constantly logging in while on a holiday it signals everyone else that they should do the same from their vacation, says Lawrence.

"The thing is, we're all still vacationing. It's not the quantity that's suffering, but the quality," he argues.

So how can employees relax without feeling guilty? The best advice, he suggests, is to plan ahead. Finish up projects before you leave. That way deadlines are not hanging over you.

If you can't tear yourself away completely, Lawrence recommends establishing a method and a time to check in before you go. Then firmly stick to that schedule. "Be clear with customers and your company that you can be reached by e-mail between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. The rest of time you'll be on the beach."

(Agencies)